WTC Final: Hazlewood declared fit after early exit from IPL due to injury scare

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been included in the 15-member squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India starting June 7 at The Oval. A must win game against Royal Challengers Bangalore Gujarat Titans Due to pain on one side.

However, he has been included in the squad alongside fellow fast bowlers, Test captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.

The inclusion of Hazlewood, a veteran of 59 Tests and 222 wickets, means the selectors no longer need to bring in all-rounders Michael Neser or Sean Abbott as cover.

Both Neser and Abbott are playing cricket for the country and Australian head coach Andrew McDonald recently said they could be included in the squad should anyone in the touring party get injured.

he is more dangerous than hazelwood and starc imo
A short collapse and then moving wickets like 36 all out https://t.co/trCPO8Ej2g– Krish #alt id (@ruthlesshit) May 29, 2023

Hazlewood, however, has been battling injuries for some time now. He joined the RCB camp late as he was recovering from an Achilles injury. He has played only four Tests since December 2021 due to a side strain.

Hazlewood played just three IPL games this season, bowling nine overs and taking a best of 3/76 before returning home.
Squad for WTC Finals:

Australia: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.